Ice Fishing
Ice Fishing is allowed on all lakes in the Black Hills National Forest. The three largest lakes on the Forest are Pactola Reservoir, Deerfield Reservoir and Sheridan Lake. Smaller lakes include Roubaix Lake and Dalton Lake.
The dredged, Horsethief Lake, Bismarck Lake and Lakota Lake on the Hell Canyon Ranger District, are also great ice fishing locations.
Sheridan Lake, located 15 miles west of Rapid City, SD on the Mystic Ranger District is one of the many great places on the Forest for ice fishermen to enjoy their sport. This 375 acre lake provides anglers with opportunities to fish for trout, northern pike, perch, bass and other pan fish. Fishing piers are also located in various areas around the lake.
Note: Boat ramps are not plowed or maintained for access to the ice at Sheridan Lake, Pactola Reservoir and Deerfield Reservoir. Ice conditions can fluctuate and anglers are reminded to use caution when travelling over the ice. Check the newspaper and at local fishing and bait shops for local ice conditions and fishing reports.
Ice Fishing Areas
- Central Hills - Rapid City
- Deerfield Reservoir Complex
- Pactola Reservoir Complex
- Jenney Gulch Picnic Area Fishing Access
- Sheridan Lake Complex
- Northern Hills-Spearfish
- Dalton Lake
- Roubaix Lake
- Northwestern Hills - Sundance
- Cook Lake Recreation Area
- Southern Hills - Custer
- Bismark Lake
- Horsethief Lake
- Lakota Lake